Living Will
A living will (hoitotahto) is a person's advance declaration of their wishes regarding their own medical care in a situation where they cannot express their opinion. It is an important part of end-of-life planning and belongs alongside the continuing power of attorney and will among advance planning documents.
Content of a Living Will
A living will can express wishes about end-of-life care: abstaining from resuscitation, limiting intensive care, pain relief, palliative care, and organ donation. The living will can be very detailed or general in nature — the essential thing is that it reflects the person's values and wishes. A living will cannot contain a request for euthanasia, as active euthanasia is illegal in Finland.
Drafting and Storage
A living will can be drawn up in free written form. The recommended method is to save it in the Kanta service (My Kanta Pages), making it available to healthcare professionals throughout Finland. A living will can be made at any time and can be modified or revoked. Witnesses are not required by law but increase the document's credibility.
Legal Status
Under Section 8 of the Patient Act (785/1992), a living will is binding on medical staff. The doctor must follow the patient's living will when the patient cannot express their wishes. The living will may only be departed from if there is justified reason to assume that it does not reflect the patient's current wishes — for example, if medicine has advanced significantly since the living will was drafted.
Connection to Other Advance Documents
The living will, continuing power of attorney, and will form a comprehensive set of documents by which a person can prepare for the future. The living will concerns healthcare, the continuing power of attorney covers financial and personal affairs, and the will addresses the distribution of property after death. It is advisable to inform loved ones about the existence of these documents.
Frequently asked questions
How is a living will made?
A living will can be made in free form, either written or verbal. Written form is recommended. It is advisable to save it in the Kanta service (My Kanta Pages), making it available to healthcare professionals. Witnesses are not required but strengthen the document.
What can be recorded in a living will?
A living will can record wishes about end-of-life care — such as resuscitation, intensive care, pain relief, and palliative care. It can also express wishes about organ donation. A living will may not contain a request for euthanasia.
Is a living will binding?
Yes. Under the Patient Act, a living will must be followed when the person cannot express their own wishes. A doctor may deviate from the living will only if there is justified reason to believe that it does not reflect the patient's current wishes.
Related terms
A power of attorney prepared in advance by which a person authorizes another to manage their affairs if they become incapable.
A legal document by which a person determines how their property is to be distributed after their death.
Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Responsible for the population information system and death registration.
Comprehensive care for a dying patient, aimed at relieving suffering and ensuring a dignified end of life.
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Learn about the Finnish continuing power of attorney (edunvalvontavaltuutus). How to prepare one, formal requirements, and how it protects your interests if you lose capacity.
Guide to making an advance directive (hoitotahto) in Finland. Learn what a living will covers, its legal standing, and how to ensure your end-of-life wishes are respected.